A Seafood Lover’s Dream in Every Bite
This creamy seafood salad is a coastal classic with bold flavor and real texture—featuring salmon, jumbo shrimp, and lump crab tossed in a creamy, seasoned dressing. Tossed with shell pasta and bright bell peppers, it’s the kind of dish that’s equally perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or Sunday meal prep.
Whether you serve it cold, stuffed in a tomato, on a toasted bun, or straight from the bowl, this is a seafood salad that doesn’t miss.
Ingredients
- Pasta shells, cooked and cooled
- Salmon (fresh cooked or canned)
- Jumbo shrimp, peeled, cooked, and chopped
- Lump crabmeat (preferably jumbo lump)
- Scallions, chopped
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, minced (optional)
- Mayonnaise (to desired creaminess)
- Relish, sweet or dill to taste
- Just Shanaé All Purpose Seasoning
- Old Bay seasoning, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Seafood
- Cook the salmon if using fresh: season and bake, broil, or pan-sear. Flake into bite-sized chunks.
- Boil shrimp until just pink and firm. Peel, devein, and chop.
- If using canned salmon or shrimp, drain and flake well.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
- Dice bell peppers, scallions, and red onion (if using).
- Set aside in a mixing bowl.
Step 4: Make the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, seafood, and chopped veggies.
- Add mayonnaise and relish.
- Season generously with Old Bay and Just Shanaé All Purpose Seasoning.
- Mix gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Meal prep friendly: Make ahead and portion into individual containers for easy lunches.
- Turn it into a sandwich: Pile onto a toasted brioche bun or croissant.
- Stuff it: Serve inside tomatoes, avocados, or lettuce cups for a light but filling dish.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.
About the Creator
Wife, mom, and dope home cook, Shanaè is the heart behind justshanae, where she serves up bold, family-approved recipes with flavor you feel. Her signature seasonings and comfort food creations are all about making everyday meals unforgettable.
Follow @justshanae on Instagram.
Shanaè M. Johnson | justshanae